Fortaleza de São João, Military fort in Urca, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The Fortaleza de São João is a fortified structure at the entrance to Guanabara Bay with thick stone walls and watchtowers. The layout follows a classic defensive design with bastions and casemates that remain accessible for visitors to explore today.
Portuguese settlers founded this fortification in 1565 to defend the newly established city against French attacks. It played a central role in protecting the bay throughout various military conflicts that followed.
The fort displays Portuguese military architecture from colonial times and is viewed today as a symbol of Rio's early defense heritage. You can see how the building served different purposes over centuries while maintaining its original structure.
The fort is best visited during daylight hours when light illuminates the stone structures and the bay. You should wear sturdy shoes since the pathways are uneven and there are stairs to explore different levels.
The foundation stones form a Maltese cross pattern when viewed from above, an unusual architectural feature. The fort also contains a historical cell where an important prisoner was held during a key moment in Brazilian history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
